Q & A with creature comforts artist Nate Woodard

In preparation for creature comforts, we reached out to each artist to tell us more about what gave them joy and solace over the past year:

In 2020 we spent more time with ourselves than most of us have in our entire lives. Have you noticed anything new, surprising, or novel that you feel comfortable sharing with us? 

Nate: I’m more of homebody, so I didn’t notice too much difference. I did notice than I felt lonelier than I had before the quarantine.

Were there any repetitive processes that stood out to you over the last 16 months? Either in your artwork, or in your daily life?

Nate: I had more time to do art. Green and yellow appeared often in my work along with the spiritual themes.

Where have you found wonder in your daily life? 

Nate: Having the opportunity to do art with MSS staff.

Music is universally linked to our lives, serving as a safe space for our thoughts, a distraction, a routine, and a space for comfort. Music is especially tied to the formulation of memories. Tell us about songs that you found yourself playing on repeat over the last year. Was there a song or artist you were drawn to, especially while sheltering in place and while social distancing?

Nate: Mariah Carey, a little Boys II Men, and relaxing music.

Is there a song that you feel best represents your experience over the last 16 months? 

Nate: It’s an instrumental song from GamePigeon, a game I used to play over Zoom with staff. The song became stuck in my head. It’s comforting to me.

Is there a song that never fails to lift your mood? That brings you comfort? 

Nate: Also the GamePigeon song.